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As was mentioned several times, the four species included in the lulav and esrog draw down influence for the entire year. This influence affects the spiritual matters of the Torah and its mitzvos and also our material sustenance from "His full, open, holy, and generous hand." Similarly, our "rejoicing in our festivals," draws down happiness for the entire year.

The holiday happiness begins already on the day before the holiday and increases throughout the duration of the holiday. Indeed, this rejoicing begins on the Shabbos on which the month of Elul is blessed. It continues throughout the month of Elul when "the King is in the field," and is increased in the days of Selichos (particularly, this year when there are two Shabbasos associated with Selichos).

It is amplified by Rosh HaShanah when we "eat sumptuous foods and drink sweet beverages" and then increases throughout the year in both material and spiritual matters, for "the day is holy unto our L-rd." Furthermore, the influence is granted to the entire year, not only in a general manner, but also in regard to particular matters. Each day, the particular nature of this influence grows. This will include the ultimate of all particular matters, the coming of the Future Redemption when we will be gathered into Eretz Yisrael from all four corners of the word.

Kabetz (òüù), the Hebrew for "gather," is numerically equivalent to the sum of the Hebrew words bakol mikol kol, the threefold blessing given to our Patriarchs. This relates to the nature of the present year, shnas niflaos bakol, "a year of wonders in all things." May we merit this, and the ultimate of wonders, the coming of the Redemption, today, the day preceding Sukkos.

And with Mashiach, we will proceed together with "our youth and our elders... our sons and our daughters" together with all our Torah service "on the clouds of heaven." And then together, we will continue being together in our Holy Land, in Jerusalem, and in "the Sanctuary of G-d established by Your hands." We will celebrate the Simchas Beis HaShoevah there. Since the Ultimate Redemption will already have come, there will be no need for any restricting decrees and the Simchas Beis HaShoevah will be able to be held on the first day of the festival itself.

In Eretz Yisrael, the holiday of Sukkos has already begun at present (for as the Alter Rebbe writes in his Shulchan Aruch, the spiritual influences are dependent on the local time). Thus this is the beginning of the Simchas Beis HaShoevah.

May we all - and the entire Jewish people - witness the Simchas Beis HaShoevah and may this happiness be drawn down through the entire year. And this will be a year "which contains wonders" (àü ÜàÇîöÉ) and a year "of wonders in all things" (îïü ÜàÇîöÉ), evoking the influence of the threefold blessing to the Patriarchs bakol mikol kol. As mentioned, this phrase is numerically equivalent to the word kabetz. Thus there is the potential for the ultimate ingathering of the exiles and thus "all the inhabitants of the land will live upon it."[79]

May this take place amid ever-increasing happiness beginning from the present time.

[Afterwards, the Rebbe told the representatives from Eretz Yisrael:] May you return to your homes in a healthy manner, each person at his appropriate time. May we hear good tidings from you before your journey and after your journey, in a manner of continually increasing happiness and light.

   

Notes:

79. (Back to text) The Hebrew phrase kol yoshvehoh eleha is significant. It implies that our people will live in Eretz Yisrael in a settled manner. When this is accomplished, the Jubilee Year will be renewed. In regard to the Jubilee, it is stated, "And you shall call freedom throughout the land," including the ultimate freedom, freedom from exile.